High school football countdown: Arlington

Twentieth in a daily series spotlighting key area high school football teams leading to opening night, Thursday.

Arlington

District 3-5A

Last season: 6-5 (5-2 in District 4-5A), lost to Abilene in bi-district

Key players: WR Dontha Robinson (5-8, 165); QB Connor Huffman (5-9, 170); LT Dylan Attkisson (6-3, 220); LB Sammy Douglas (6-2, 195); SS Peyton Curtis (5-9, 170); DB Marcus Washington (5-11, 165)

The big picture: It is no secret Arlington will be loaded on defense this season. With seven starters returning and three others that saw varsity action last year, forcing turnovers will be the key to a Colts playoff run this season. The district isn't any easier, but most offenses may be retooling when Arlington comes up on the schedule. Linebacker Sammy Douglas had 136 tackles to lead the team last season and five fumble recoveries. Offensively, five starters return. Conner Huffman will take over for Josh Greer at quarterback. Receiver Dontha Robinson is the key piece for the Colts' spread offense, accounting for 867 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Brandon Washington, who carried 47 times for 476 yards and six touchdowns, replaces Tavarreon Dickerson.

Quotable: "I don't know that it's low scoring you'll see in our district because of all the spread offenses, but defensively, the entire district has really improved. For us, filling the void left by the leading rusher in Arlington High history isn't easy to do, but we feel like we have two backs that will fill that role nicely." -- coach Scott Peach

Notable: Dickerson had 1,807 yards last season and 24 touchdowns. That's a big hole to fill in Arlington's offense. The Colts have a good talent pool, with 43 returning letter winners.

-- Kevin Casas

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